Youth groups

WECIL runs regular sessions every month for young disabled people in different areas of Bristol. Sessions include activities that enable young people to build skills and knowledge, grow in confidence, interact in a social environment and develop lasting friendships.

Young people are supported to develop skills to help them live more independently and make informed choices in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Activities may include games, sports, arts & crafts, shopping, cooking, socialising with friends and day trips.

Inclusion Group

Regular group for disabled young people and non-disabled young people in Bristol aged 13-18 years old. This group is funded by Children in Need, and you can watch a short film about it made by BBC Points West.

Hartcliffe

Every Tuesday 7.00pm – 9.30pm

Hartcliffe Club for Young People, BS13 9A

Hillfields

Alternate Tuesdays 7.00pm – 9.30pm

Hillfields Youth Centre, BS16 4EH

Bristol Youth Links group

A regular group for disabled young people aged 13-19 years old, or with learning difficulties up to age 25.

Lawrence Hill

Alternate Wednesdays 7.00pm -9.00pm

Salvation Army Hall, Hassell Drive, BS2 0AN

Hillfields

Alternate Tuesdays 7.00pm – 9.30pm

Hillfields Youth Centre, BS16 4EH

The Listening Partnership

A regular forum group for young disabled people in Bristol aged 13-19 years old, or with learning difficulties up to age 25. Young people are encouraged to have their say and learn about their rights, with guest speakers and workshops across a range of topics. The group is also regularly consulted by the local council, and involved in projects with other local organisations.

City Centre

Monday evenings 7.00pm – 9.00pm

The Station, BS1 2AG

Independent living skills sessions

Sessions for young disabled people aged 15-18 years old in the Bristol area. Activities are based around developing skills that enable young disabled people to live more independently and make informed choices.

St Philips

Friday evenings 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Salvation Army Hall, BS2 0AN

Out and About – short breaks

Regular Saturday club for disabled young people aged 13-18 living in the Bristol area, providing respite for parents and carers.

Saturdays 10.00am-3.00pm

Hartcliffe

Hartcliffe Club for Young People, BS13 9AE (twice per month)

Hillfields

Hillfields Youth Centre, BS16 4EH (twice per month)

These sessions are part of the ‘Out and About’ programme, which offers a range of services for young disabled people, children and their families to access short breaks. WECIL leads a consortium of organisations that together provide: residential trips, after school clubs, holiday activities, a befriender service and a targeted BME service. For more info about our partners and the services they provide please see the Out and About leaflet or the Out and About Facebook page.

For more information about any of these groups, contact:

Youth Service Manager, Phil Cotgreave on phil.cotgreave@wecil.co.uk and 07973685979

Engagement Worker, Kate Young on kate.young@wecil.co.uk and 07795446317

After attending one of WECIL’s youth groups for a year, Zac decided that youth work was the career for him. Now being trained by WECIL, Zac draws on his own experiences of growing up to support the young disabled people at our group sessions.